Eco News

New Plan Unveiled to Safeguard Iconic Redwood Parks in Santa Cruz County

Hiking amidst the regrowth in Big Basin Redwoods State Park in June 2024. Credit: Mike Kahn.

California State Parks and Save The Redwoods League release report outlining actions needed to restore and protect Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo and Butano state parks after CZU Lightning Complex Fire

New weelili onyenmak Property Helps Protect Endangered Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander

We'd say that the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander is thrilled to have more protected habitat! Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

With this property acquisition, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County safeguards critical habitat for this endangered, federally and state-listed species.

Pack Your Trash: How Santa Cruz Surfers Launched a Global Eco Movement

The iconic Pack Your Trash! design and cleanup campaign by the Pleasure Point Night Fighters. Credit: © Pack Your Trash (packyourtrash.com).

The Pleasure Point Night Fighters sparked the global beach-cleanup movement in the 1960s with a campaign launched around a slogan and the iconic “Pack Your Trash” logo. Also in Santa Cruz, Save Our Shores mentors students on ocean conservancy.

Transforming Transportation: The Impact of the Westside Rail Trail in Santa Cruz

The Westside Rail Trail has become an everyday transportation corridor for Santa Cruzans and visitors. Photo courtesy of Friends of the Rail & Trail.

Kids biking to school, seniors running errands, and fun-seekers headed to West Cliff, Natural Bridges or Wilder Ranch are loving the safety and convenience of this community resource.

Grant to Santa Cruz NGO Shows the US Government Getting Serious about the Climate Crisis

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has served as a setting for decades of conservation history. Photo courtesy California Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

In the wake of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s recent historic $71 million award, a look back at the first National Oceans Conference.

Kids2Parks: Transforming Lives, One Field Trip at a Time

Students participating in a Kids2Parks field trip get to see the beauty of state parks and beaches first-hand. Photo: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

This innovative equity program offers transportation funding for State Park visits to low-income students, providing access to nature and learning.

Why Byrne-Milliron’s Closed for Sustainable Timber Harvest

"Second growth" redwoods standing close at Byrne-Milliron Forest. Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Property will be closed to public access through May 1, 2025 to selectively harvest trees and maintain forest health.

Breaking Ground on the North Coast Rail Trail

View from the old rail passing through agricultural lands on the North Coast. Photo by Bill LeBon, courtesy Friends of the Rail & Trail.

Segment 5 of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (aka Coastal Rail Trail) will connect Wilder Ranch to the town of Davenport.

Museum of Natural History Explores Cotoni-Coast Dairies

The "Cotoni-Coast Dairies: Monumental Steps" exhibit runs June 7 - August 25, 2024, at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

The original exhibit, “Cotoni-Coast Dairies: Monumental Steps,” looks at the soon-to-be-open National Monument on Santa Cruz County’s North Coast.

Wildlife Crossing to Safety

Land Trust of Santa Cruz County's Bryan Largay points north from the Rocks Ranch property towards Highway 101 hidden beneath the trees down below. Photo by Mike Kahn.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County helps mountain lions, badgers and other critters who risk death on highways that bisect their habitats.

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